How to Survive Mornings with Kids: A Guide for Parents

Mornings with kids can be chaotic and overwhelming, leaving parents feeling drained before the day barely even begins. The good news is that there are some strategies you can use to make managing your little ones’ daily routines easier on you. In this blog post, we will provide tips for surviving mornings with kids and offer a visual workflow for streamlining activities to help ensure a smoother transition from morning chaos to calmness. We'll explain how to set both yourself and your children up for success on hectic days when it feels like nothing ever goes according to plan. With these helpful tactics, every parent can survive their children's unruly morning routine!

Develop a Morning Routine

Mornings can be a bit chaotic when it comes to getting kids ready for school. From shoes left in random places to forgotten backpacks, it's no wonder parents often feel frazzled. However, there's a solution! By creating a visual schedule outlining the steps for your kids' morning routine, you'll not only reduce stress but also give your little ones a sense of independence and responsibility. Having a routine can help children feel more secure and ready to take on the day ahead, too. So, whether it's brushing teeth or packing their bags, a visual schedule can make your mornings run smoother and even leave you with a few extra minutes to yourself for that much-needed cup of coffee.

Start Early

Research shows that starting the day with physical activity has a plethora of benefits for kids. Not only does it increase their overall health, but it also improves their cognitive function and can lower stress levels. Getting kids up and moving at least an hour before they need to leave the house is a great way to ensure that they have time to properly wake up, get their blood pumping, and get ready for the day ahead. Whether it's jumping jacks, playing a quick game of catch, or dancing to their favorite tunes, incorporating physical activity into the morning routine can set kids up for success both physically and mentally. So, set that alarm a little earlier and make the most out of the mornings!

Give Yourself Time for Coffee

Although mornings can be hectic, it's important to take time for yourself. Setting aside a few extra minutes to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea will help you feel more energized and ready to take on the morning's tasks. By waking up a bit earlier and getting a head start on your routine, you'll have the time you need to start your day off right. Not only that, but coffee also gives you other benefits and you can read more here about how it improves brain function, mood and alertness. So do yourself a favor and never skip your morning coffee!

Prep the Night Before

By having everyone prepare for the next day the night before, you can eliminate a lot of morning chaos. Encourage your family to set out their clothes, pack their lunches and place any necessary items in their backpacks before they go to bed. This small routine can make a big difference in the morning, giving everyone a more relaxed start to their day. So why not try it out and see how much smoother your mornings can be?

Utilize Technology

Did you know that there are many apps and smart devices designed to help simplify busy mornings? From alarm clocks that wake you up gradually to timers that keep kids on schedule, technology can be a parent's best friend. Consider using an app that lets you set multiple timers to keep your kids on track or an alarm clock with soothing sounds to wake everyone up gently. There are so many digital solutions out there waiting to make your mornings easier, so don't be afraid to take advantage of them.

Make it Fun

Mornings can be tough for anyone, especially getting out of bed and starting the day. But what if you could incorporate some fun into your morning routine? Singing together or playing quick games while getting dressed can make the morning a little bit brighter. It can bring a smile to your face and get your energy levels up for the day ahead. Plus, it can be a great bonding experience with family members or roommates. So next time you're struggling to get going in the morning, try adding a fun activity to your routine and see how it changes your perspective on the day. Who knows, it could become your new favorite daily ritual!

Every household is different and what works in one may not work in another. But by developing a plan and setting achievable goals, you can make mornings manageable with your kids. Try to be organized, start early, prep ahead of time, and have the right tools on hand. Incorporate fun activities into your routine or use technology to help keep everyone organized. With a little patience, perseverance, and positivity, you will soon find that mornings don’t have to be stressful and that you can create a positive start to each day with your children. Most importantly remember to enjoy this special time together as it won’t last forever!